Evangeline is no more…

… at least for now. Erik Desjarais’ popular French restaurant, Evangeline, has closed its doors. Desjarlais has opted to be a full-time stay-at-home dad with his infant daughter (and who can blame him for that?).

I just spoke with Erik, who confirmed the restaurant has closed its doors for good. “The past six months have been the craziest,” he said. “Two owner-chefs under one roof (his wife is Krista Kern Desjarlais, of Bresca), with a baby, was too stressful and difficult on the relationship. This is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Desjarlais has spent 20 years cooking, and he isn’t sure what’s next, but he doubts he’ll return to the restaurant world. Whatever it is, he wants to do it while bouncing his baby girl on his lap. He said enjoys contributing to Find.Eat.Drink., and that maybe he’ll try other writing.